[What is the risk? Perspectives of prenatal diagnosis]

The term 'risk' may be seen under multiple aspects. First of all, there is the risk of giving birth to a disabled child. Secondly, prenatal diagnosis itself constitutes a risk. Last but not least, there is a risk for society when presuming that everything is feasible. However 'risk' does not only mean danger, it also implies the notion of venture and responsibility. Responsibility towards society consists in opposing wrong developments. Responsibility towards the disabled child is often a pretext for not being able to bear misery. Life has to be lived; each other concept is contrary to nature. The only justification for not running the risk of having a disabled child lies in the responsibility towards one's own family. But often it is only in view of the task that we are assigned that we come to know our fortitude.